"Wow~~~ Looking down from the mountain, it's so beautiful!"
Ran followed Baishi Hui up the mountain on Moon Shadow Island. Looking down at the seaside village and the golden sandy beach in the distance, she couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
She took a deep breath, feeling an indescribable sense of peace and contentment. She said, "The air in the mountains is much fresher!"
Just then, there was a clicking sound from nearby.
Ran turned around and saw that Baishi Hui had taken out his camera and was taking pictures of her.
"Sorry, I couldn't help but take pictures when I saw something beautiful," Baishi Hui said, taking a few more shots.
How would Shinichi, that shy young boy, say such sweet words to Ran?
Ran had never heard anyone say such pleasant things to her before; she had no resistance to these flattering words at all.
As soon as she heard Baishi Hui praise her as 'beautiful,' the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved upwards; she was quite happy.
Ran said somewhat awkwardly, "Huh? Do... do you want to take pictures?"
"Of course, when you're out having fun, you have to take pictures as a memento... Come on, smile." Baishi Hui said, motioning for Ran to strike a pose.
"But I'm not very good at taking pictures... Is this... okay?" Ran made a 'V' sign somewhat awkwardly.
"It's okay, I'm not a professional either." That's what Baishi Hui said, but he had long ago purchased photography-related skills from Azu the Bandit's shop.
After taking several consecutive shots, he watched Ran become increasingly happy.
This made him sigh; female students were truly simple. A few flattering words that cost nothing could make them feel bright and cheerful, smiling broadly.
Baishi Hui motioned for Ran to come over, then showed her the photos, saying, "How are they? Not bad, right?"
Ran leaned in to look and found the pictures were super beautiful. She immediately said happily, "They're so good! I didn't expect Shirashi-kun's photography skills to be this amazing. You have to send them to me when we get back!"
"Of course, we can walk and take pictures as we go," Baishi Hui suggested.
"Mhm mhm~~~~" Ran happily agreed, bouncing a little as she walked, her whole person radiating the beauty of youth.
Baishi Hui walked and took pictures. He didn't just photograph Ran; occasionally, he would also take some landscape shots.
But ultimately, he wasn't just taking landscape photos; he was photographing the resort villas nestled in the mountains.
Under the guise of sightseeing, he came here in advance to familiarize himself with the roads.
Otherwise, getting lost during the operation would be a huge embarrassment.
According to the information provided by Gin and the others, these resort villas were the strongholds of drug trafficking groups, filled with drugs smuggled in from overseas.
And anyone else who wanted to buy drugs would also be taken there for transactions.
Along the way, Baishi Hui could clearly feel that the mountain roads were rugged with numerous forks; it would be easy to get lost without someone leading the way.
Just as he was taking pictures of Ran, he suddenly heard a familiar voice: "Huh? Are you two... tourists?"
Hearing this voice, Baishi Hui turned around and saw MiyanoAkemi, wearing a floral dress and a sun hat, walking towards them.
However, what he was more interested in was that she also had a camera in her hand.
Clearly, Akemi had the same idea as him, coming here under the guise of sightseeing to scout the location.
"Mhm mhm!! We're from Tokyo," Ran replied enthusiastically.
"I'm also from Tokyo!" Akemi proactively came up to chat, saying cheerfully, "I quit my job a while ago, so I came out alone to relax."
"Huh? You came alone? That's amazing! If it were me, I probably wouldn't dare." Ran was quite surprised; she didn't expect this beautiful Akemi to be traveling alone. She was really courageous!
"It's okay, actually traveling alone isn't that dangerous." Akemi smiled sweetly. She looked at Baishi Hui next to her and said, "I also wish I could find such a handsome guy to travel with me like you did... Unfortunately, I can't find one."
These words made Ran's heart fill with joy.
"I forgot to introduce myself. My name is MiyanoAkemi. What about you?"
"My name is Mouri Ran, and his name is Baishi Hui!"
"Seeing how young you are, are you in college?"
"No, we're still in high school!"
"Is it Teitan High School?"
"Huh? How did you know!!"
"Because I graduated from Teitan High School."
"So, does that mean Akemi is my senior?"
"......"
Baishi Hui watched silently from the side as Akemi befriended Ran.
It was the first time he had seen how she built rapport with people.
He had to admit, she had a knack for it.
With her high-value appearance, combined with enthusiasm and friendliness, it was easy for people to let down their guard.
Ran was successfully charmed by Akemi's beautiful appearance and unknowingly had a lot of information elicited from her.
Akemi had roughly figured out the situation with the two high school students; she could confidently travel with them now.
She raised her camera and said, "Shall I take a picture for you two?"
"Can you? Then I'll trouble you, Akemi." Ran expressed her gratitude, then walked to Baishi Hui's side and made a 'V' sign.
Baishi Hui cooperated by showing a smile.
"You two are too stiff," Akemi said, stepping forward proactively, taking Ran's hands, placing them on Baishi Hui's arm, and saying, "Ran, wrap your arms around Shirashi-kun's arm for the picture; it'll look better this way!"
This made Baishi Hui look at Akemi in a new light... Not bad, Akemi! It wasn't in vain that I kindly helped you! This assist is good!
"Th-this... like this?" Ran's face turned red, feeling a little nervous, but she didn't let go of his arm.
"Of course! Trust me, I'm a professional." Akemi said, also winking at Baishi Hui to signal 'You're welcome'.
She walked back a bit, picked up her camera, looked at the shy Ran, and a hint of a smile played on her lips. She said, "Your expression is great~~~"
Saying this, Akemi took several pictures consecutively. Only after capturing satisfactory shots did she give an 'okay' sign.
"Can I see?" Ran walked up, asking with lingering shyness.
"Of course you can... Look, how good is this shot!" Akemi praised. "I'll send you the photos after we get down the mountain!"
"Mhm mhm~~~ Thank you, Miyano." Ran repeatedly expressed her thanks.
"You're welcome~~~ You don't mind if I walk with you, do you?" Only then did Akemi propose joining them.
"Of course," Ran nodded happily.
"It's livelier with more people." Baishi Hui wouldn't refuse, both emotionally and logically.
"That's great~~~" Akemi smiled happily.
This way, she could legitimately act together with the two of them, and it wouldn't seem so abrupt.
Thus, the three of them walked together, beginning their 'aimless' sightseeing in the mountains.